Joseph B
Instruments: Piano, Guitar, Saxophone, Synthesizer, Music, Keyboard, Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Electronic, Showtunes, Latin Jazz, Bossa Nova, Marching Band, Punk
Joseph B
Instruments: Piano, Guitar, Saxophone, Synthesizer, Music, Keyboard, Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar
Styles:
Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Electronic, Showtunes, Latin Jazz, Bossa Nova, Marching Band, Punk
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 8-80
Bachelor Degree: California State University Northridge
Magna Cum Laude - California State University Northridge
I was born into a musically inclined family, and I decided to be the first to take it to a professional level. I started on piano with songs from games and films I enjoyed, but I always tried to come up with something of my own. During high school, I joined the marching band on alto saxophone and taught myself to play and read music. I was section leader for 2 years. Once I graduated, I joined a rock band on lead guitar and keyboard. I have performed many times on all three instruments, and I have taught multiple children and adults piano and music theory. During college, I learned to compose, arrange, use DAWs, and conduct. I graduated Magna Cum Laude from California State University Northridge with a Bachelor of Music in Commercial & Media Writing.
I decided to offer piano and general music lessons while I was attending college. It turned out to be very fun and rewarding to see my students begin to understand and apply the concepts I taught them. Creating my own teaching style and curriculum was difficult, but learning from my peers was a great experience and very helpful. I also assisted in my Studio Ensemble class to teach arrangers and composers the general rules of writing and advanced theory. I thoroughly enjoy sharing my knowledge, and I find it easy to be patient and understanding with beginners.
I find that the most effective method with beginners is to color code things in a way that makes sense. I have stickers for this and a chart of what each means. Music is similar to math, and once the student can make proper associations in their head when looking at music or playing an instrument, the rest becomes easier. I typically will have them give me a song they want to learn and make it my goal to teach it to them by the end of the first six months. Playing classical music is great, but the students are much more invested at the start if they are learning something familiar to them while also learning basics like scales.
My style is to be open about the types of music my students can learn rather than forcing Mozart on them from day one. I create a relaxed environment without stress and complicated assignments that can feel like schoolwork. Music should be enjoyable for everyone involved. As a composer and arranger, I find it simple to take an established song and create an easier version for my student to learn. They are more likely to practice on their own if they are learning something they want to know and show off to friends and family. I do give them exercises as well, but I try to make sure they are not put off by the formality that comes with typical classical training.
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